Treo 500v initially a Vodafone exclusive

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:26

Your IT - Mobility

When the Treo 500v - Palm's latest smartphone - ships next month, it will only be available in a limited number of European countries plus South Africa, and only through Vodafone/Vodacom.

The Windows 6 based device provides 3G (but apparently not HSDPA) connectivity, a full keyboard, a 320 x 240 pixel colour screen, 2MP camera, 150M of available onboard memory plus a microSD slot, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (headset, handsfree, serial and OBEX), USB port (cable included), web browser, support for Google Maps and eBay, email, instant message client, and organiser.

The phone measures 16.5 x 61.5 x 110mm, and weighs 120g. The battery is rated at 10 days standby and up to 4.5 hours talk time. A colour choice of white and charcoal is offered.

The Treo 500v will initially be available to Vodafone customers in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the UK, plus Vodacom customers in South Africa. Vodafone's UK site has yet to list the 500v, but according to some reports it will be offered on contract for a low or zero upfront fee.

The 500v is intended to reach buyers that have previously been priced out of the smartphone market.

"The Treo 500v is priced to enable a broader audience to experience the internet and email on the go," said John Hartnett, senior vice president of Palm's global markets and Windows business unit. "Today's generation has really embraced the internet as a way of keeping in touch with friends and family, seeking out entertainment and managing their day to day lives."

Jens Schulte-Bockum, global terminals director at Vodafone, said "we are confident the Palm Treo 500v will appeal to the growing group of consumers looking for the same functionality and ease of use our business customers continue to enjoy from this type of premium device."

The exclusivity period is reportedly three months, which moves general availability beyond the holiday buying period.